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- “VALLEY OF THE MOON + VALLEY OF MARS (VALLEY OF DEATH)" Tour
“VALLEY OF THE MOON + VALLEY OF MARS (VALLEY OF DEATH)" Tour
“VALLEY OF THE MOON + VALLEY OF MARS (VALLEY OF DEATH)" Tour
Explore the Mystical Valleys of the Moon and Mars: Nature’s Most Captivating Desert Landscapes.
Step into a world that feels truly out of this world at the breathtaking Valle de la Luna and Valle de Marte (also known as Death Valley) in Chile’s Atacama Desert.
The Valle de la Luna enchants visitors with its surreal, moonlike terrain — vast dunes, jagged rock formations, and salt-crusted surfaces sculpted by millennia of wind and water. Wander through this natural masterpiece where every curve and crevice tells a story of ancient geological forces. As the sun sets, the valley transforms, casting golden shadows and illuminating the landscape in a magical glow that feels like stepping onto another planet.
Just a short journey away lies the striking Valle de Marte, named for its unmistakable red hues reminiscent of the Martian surface. Here, dramatic cliffs and rugged canyons create an awe-inspiring scene that captures the imagination. At dusk, the crimson rocks blaze under the fading sun, creating a spectacular canvas of colors that few places on Earth can match.
Together, these valleys offer a unique double adventure — from the ethereal quiet of the Moon-like desert to the fiery spectacle of Mars' red plains. Whether you’re seeking unforgettable photo opportunities, peaceful hikes, or simply a moment to connect with nature’s wonders, Valle de la Luna and Valle de Marte promise an experience that’s both mesmerizing and unforgettable.
Discover these natural wonders, where Earth’s beauty feels infinite and otherworldly.
Itinerary:
Discover the Salt Mountain Range: A Journey Between the Moons of Earth and Mars.
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Get ready to explore one of Earth’s most otherworldly landscapes.
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The Salt Mountain Range is where nature reveals its rawest and most stunning forms. Imagine mountains made of salt — yes, the same sodium chloride found on your table! Mixed with minerals like gypsum and reddish clay, this surreal terrain mirrors the surfaces of the Moon and Mars.
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On this unforgettable tour, we take you to two iconic Atacama parks: the Valley of the Moon and the Valley of Mars (also known as Death Valley). Though their names are alike, their atmospheres couldn’t be more different — and you’ll discover why through stories from our expert guide.
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We pick you up right at your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama and head less than 10 km away to the Valley of the Moon. After visiting the park’s informative geological exhibit and facilities, the adventure begins with a blend of scenic drives and walks to the valley’s most breathtaking spots.
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Feel the desert sands beneath your feet as you hike to the Great Dune, where sweeping views reveal rock formations shaped by millions of years of natural forces — including the famous Amphitheater.
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Once called Salinas for its salt mining past, this area contributed salt mainly for the copper mining industry nearby. We stop by an ancient salt mine to admire layers of time etched into the landscape — from recent desert rain formations to mineral deposits thousands of years old.
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Marvel at the Three Marys, towering shapes carved by wind and time, inviting each visitor to imagine their own story.
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Next, reach the Ckari Lookout, home to the legendary Coyote Stone. Here, gaze out over the striking contrast of the green oasis of San Pedro surrounded by the harsh Salt Mountain Range.
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As the day fades, the tour shifts gears.
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We end at the Valley of Mars, where the sunset paints the red rocks with fiery hues, transporting you to another planet altogether.
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Enjoy Chilean wine and refreshing pisco sours, accompanied by fresh fruit and appetizers, while you savor this magical moment. Thanks to an exclusive stop, you can contemplate this landscape in complete privacy: a unique opportunity to connect deeply with this extraordinary desert.
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This combined journey of both valleys is a unique way to truly appreciate the Salt Mountain Range from varied perspectives.
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Returning to San Pedro at nightfall, you’ll feel like you’ve traveled through two worlds within one incredible desert.
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Perfectly suited for your first days in Atacama, this tour takes place at the same altitude as the town (~2,500 meters), ensuring a comfortable start to your adventure.
Tour Details:
Departure: From 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM (winter) and from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM (summer).
Altitude: Up to 2,500m.
Includes: Transport, Certified guide, picnic with wine.
Price of the Valley of the Moon entrance fee: 17,000 CLP per person.
Important Note: For entrance fees to Valley of the Moon, we require payment in cash (Chilean pesos) directly at our agency upon your arrival in San Pedro de Atacama. As a tour operator, we reserve your tickets in advance directly on the parks' website.
Recommended for: first days in the Atacama Desert.
Does not include
- Tips and gratuities.
- Other services not described in the program.
- Professional guide in German, French, Italian and Portuguese. If you would like a guide in these languages, please request one in advance and pay an extra fee, subject to availability.
- We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and shoes appropriate for outdoor activities and windy weather, a hat or cap, sunscreen, sunglasses, a photographic camera, and binoculars.
- We recommend bringing bottles of mineral water and energy snacks.
More Information
- 5 hrs aprox
- From 14:00 to 19:00 (winter) and from 15:00 to 20:00 PM
- Family friendly
- Offered inEnglish and Spanish
Options and Availability
Collective tour
Collective tour with specialized guide service and the services described in the program. The best price.Private tour
Private tour with the activities described in the program. Exclusive and personalized attention from your certified guide. Flexible schedules, stops, and pace according to your preferences. Greater comfort and privacy throughout the tour. The best price.Policies and Conditions
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Prices are expressed in US dollars (USD) and are subject to change without notice.
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Services and programs may be changed or canceled in their execution, sequence, and content in order to offer better service, or due to extreme conditions or force majeure.
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This tour operates with a minimum number of passengers. Holiplus will reconfirm 48 hours prior to departure. If the supplier decides to cancel due to force majeure or adverse weather conditions, Holiplus will offer an alternative tour or a full refund.
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Clients should be aware that modifications to the original booking may result in changes to the final price.
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Holiplus will attempt to avoid cancellation fees; however, clients must accept any expenses incurred and charges established by the supplier, which may amount to up to 100% of the original price.
DOCUMENTATION:
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It is the responsibility of each passenger to carry the necessary documents for the proper execution of their trip.
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Passengers must be informed and prepared to comply with visa, vaccination, and other requirements specific to the countries they will be visiting.
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Therefore, passengers are responsible for any costs incurred due to non-compliance or lack of information regarding entry and travel regulations within the different countries they are traveling to. Chilean and foreign passengers must present their foreign documentation; otherwise, a 19% VAT will be charged directly to the passenger.
CANCELLATIONS OR RESCHEDULING OF SERVICES:
For Individual Services
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Cancellations made less than 120 hours (5 days) in advance are non-refundable.
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Cancellations made 11 to 5 days in advance will receive a 70% refund of the amount paid.
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Cancellations made up to 12 days in advance will receive an 80% refund of the amount paid. - No-shows: If a passenger fails to appear at the designated time and place, the service will be considered rendered, and no refund will be issued.
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In case of tour cancellation due to weather: rescheduling or a full or partial refund will be offered (depending on whether the activity was canceled before or during the tour).
TICKET INFORMATION:
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Ticket prices may vary between the date of your booking and the day of the tour.
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For Atacama Park tickets, payment must be made in local cash only – Chilean pesos (*except for Termas de Puritama, see below).
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For the Termas de Puritama trip, tickets must be purchased in advance directly on the park's website: www.termasdepuritama.cl. It takes approximately 5 minutes: select the tour date, the time slot (AM or PM), and the number of people; then enter the visitors' information and complete the payment, which must be made by card.
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For entrance fees to El Tatio Geysers, Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley), Piedras Rojas (Red Rocks), Laguna Cejar, and Lagunas Escondidas de Baltinache (Baltinache Hidden Lagoons), we require payment in cash (Chilean pesos) directly at our agency upon your arrival in San Pedro de Atacama. As the tour operator, we reserve your tickets in advance directly on the parks' websites.
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For the Valle del Arcoíris (Rainbow Valley), Biking, and Lascar Volcano tours, the entrance fee must be paid in local cash (Chilean pesos) at the park upon arrival.
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For any questions regarding tickets, please contact our customer service via WhatsApp.
MODIFICATIONS:
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By the client: no changes can be made less than 120 hours before the tour departure.
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By the tour operator: tours are subject to changes in schedules and routes due to weather conditions or force majeure.
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The astronomy tour may change its schedule and date (more than once) due to weather conditions.
GENERAL CONDITIONS
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Passengers must adhere to the scheduled departure times for each tour and follow the guide's instructions throughout the tour.
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The company is not responsible for the loss of personal belongings left inside the vehicles.
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Entrance fees to parks and visitor sites are the responsibility of the passenger, who must therefore ensure timely payment – always in cash.
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Passengers are responsible for clearly indicating the name of their hotel for proper pick-up and providing a contact phone number for easier location. If the phone is not working or turned off, the local agency is not liable in case of the tour being missed.